Central Virginia Wine
Central Virginia is an expansive region covering the Virginia Piedmont between the Shenandoah Valley and the Chesapeake Tidewater regions. Wine production is most concentrated just east of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Monticello American Viticultural Area, centered around Charlottesville.
Understand
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Central Virginia has a wine-making history dating back to Thomas Jefferson, who believed (correctly) that the region's topography and climate resembled that of France. Major wine production in the state picked up after the 1970s with the Zonin family of Venice purchasing the historic Barboursville estate. Horton Vineyards pioneered the viognier in the state and revolutionized Virginia wine in the 1980s.
This region of sunshine and rolling hills has seen a marked increase in both quality and quantity over the last three decades and has become a popular wine region to tour in the American East Coast.
In 2023 Monticello was named Wine Enthusiast's wine destination of the year.
Grapes
editVirginia grows a wide variety of both old world, hybrid, and North American grapes. The most produced grapes are Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and the region's specialty Viognier. The Norton, native to the state, is a source of particular pride among growers. Franco-American hybrids such as Chambourcin and Vidal Blanc are also common.
Climate and soil
editMost of Virginia east of the blue ridge mountains have loam soils. Climatically, Central Virginia is warm, with long summers and mild winters. The best vineyards are often at an elevation of 800 ft (above 240 m).
Regions
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Greene County
editThe farthest north, just east of the Blue Ridge.
- 1 Kilaurwen Winery, 1543 Evergreen Church Rd., Stanardsville, ☏ +1 434-985-2535.
- 2 Montifalco Vineyard, 1800 Fray Rd., Ruckersville, ☏ +1 434-989-9115.
- 3 Stone Mountain Vineyards, 1376 Wyatt Mountain Rd., Dyke, ☏ +1 434-990-9463.
Orange County
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The closest county to Washington, DC.
- 4 Barboursville Vineyards, 6045 Governor Barbour St., Barboursville, ☏ +1 434-981-3793.
- 5 Horton Vineyards, 6399 Spotswood Tr., Gordonsville, ☏ +1 540-832-7440. One of the pioneers of Virginia wine. Founded in the 1980's it has been at the forefront of grape experimentation in the state, including most notable viognier and norton.
- 6 Honah Lee Vineyard, 13443 Honah Lee Farm Dr., Gordonsville, ☏ +1 540-308-7724.
- 7 The Barn at 678 Vineyard, 6045 Governor Barbour St., Barboursville, ☏ +1 434-981-3793.
- 8 Woodbrook Farm Vineyard, 11461 Spicers Mill Rd., Orange, ☏ +1 540-219-1874.
Albemarle County
editCentered around Charlottesville.
- 9 Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, 5022 Plank Rd, North Garden, ☏ +1 434-202-8063.
- 10 Trump Winery, 385 Albemarle House Dr, Charlottesville, ☏ +1 434-266-9909.
Nelson County
edit11 Lovingston Winery, 885 Freshwater Cove Ln., Lovingston, ☏ +1 434-263-8467.
Fluvanna County
editThe easternmost county in Monticello, and the closest to Richmond.
- 12 Cunningham Creek Winery, 3304 Ruritan Lake Rd, Palmyra, ☏ +1 434-207-3907.
- 13 Hardware Hills Vineyard, 5199 W River Rd, Scottsville, ☏ +1 434-286-4710.
Buy
editMany Virginia producers are small-scale, so if you like a bottle, it is best to buy it straight from the source.
Virginia ABC stores have a better selection than most grocery stores. Large retailers like Total Wine have a limited selection. It is common, but not guaranteed, to have Virginia wine offerings in Charlottesville restaurants.
